July 28-29, 2008
Coaldale, AB
BATSEL BEST AT MJT’S 1ST CHOICE SAVINGS STOP
COALDALE, AB – Southern Alberta weather finally cooperated for a Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) event after a rough time at the beginning of the season, and junior golfers in the re-scheduled two-day 1st Choice Savings Series at Land-O-Lakes Golf Club in Coaldale enjoyed sunshine in temperatures reaching about 80 degrees F, with a little wind. The golf course was in magnificent condition and the greens ran true. Great conditions for scoring and the players took advantage, with Dillon Batsel, 16, of Medicine Hat, AB, beating a strong field in his age division of Boys 14-16 by 11 shots en route to his first MJT win.
Batsel was also the low man each day with scores of 72-71 (143) and earns an exemption into the Future Collegiate World Tour (FCWT) National Championship in Florida in 2009 as a result. “Hitting greens in regulation was key to my win,” he said. “I feel good, it’s a relief. It’s my first two-day win.” Andrew Ritchot, 15, and Matt Whittaker, 16, both of Lethbridge, AB, shot identical rounds of 79-75 and Calgary's Taylor Drolet, 16, shot back-to-back rounds of 77 for a three-way tie at second place at 154 total score behind Batsel in the Boys 14-16 division. Read more